Football Background
Full Name: Chris O'Dwyer
Nickname: ChrisO
Playing Position/s: Centre
Playing Status: Retired
Phelan Medal Receipt Year/s: 1994
Years playing in Sydney: 8
Sydney Senior Club/s: East Sydney
Sydney Junior Club/s: NA
Pocket Profile Questions
Toughest Opponent in Sydney?
Mark Brady/North Shore - unbelievable defensive midfielder.
What did winning a Phelan Medal/s mean to you?
Great Individual Honour which I would have swapped gladly for a Premiership!
What impact did winning a Phelan Medal have on your playing career?
Winning the Phelan just meant from 95 on I got tagged a lot more from the oppositions. I came into the Sydney Football League from the Swans & took great pride in my performance because I had the view that if I was a listed AFL player I should dominate that level of Footy. I had great a great time at the 'Dogs' & the friendships I gained were far more important than the footballing successes.
What is your most memorable moment from your career in Sydney?
Coaching the Prems to their 1st Finals appearance in decades in 97' was memorable but still haunts me as it was an opportunity we let slip not making the Grand Final. Also, the amount I votes I gained in winning the Phelan (28) & then coming runner up to Joey McCormack in another season with 21.
Did you have any pre-game superstitions or routines?
Lots - I use to warm up for a long time & get very zoned in before I played with the same routine every game.
What is the best advice you received as a player and from who?
Col Kinnear (Swans Coach) - 'don't flirt with it' referencing being to smart with the footy instead of doing the predictable.
What would be one piece of advice for young players coming into AFL Sydney?
If you want to be the best - work the hardest. Footballers don't get lucky, they earn every kick, handball, accolade, team success.
If retired, what do you miss most about footy?
I am still involved 7 days a week with footy as I have 4 young men who are 14/16/19/21 & all playing! I love the game & are so proud of how far Sydney Football has come.